The United States has taken Cuba off its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

US secretary of state John Kerry has signed an order removing Cuba from the US terrorism blacklist as part of the process of normalising relations between the Cold War foes.

Mr Kerry acted 45 days after the Obama administration informed US Congress of its intent to do so. Lawmakers had that much time to weigh in and try to block the move, but did not do so.

The step comes as officials from the countries continue to hash out details of restoring full diplomatic relations, including opening embassies in Washington DC and Havana and returning ambassadors to the two countries.

The removal of Cuba from the terrorism list had been a key Cuban demand.